in afghanistan, sergeant petri entered a courtyard and was fired upon by en'smy combatants. a round of bullets went through both his legs and another u.s. army ranger was injured. they sought shelter in a chicken coop and a grenade landed at the feet of he and hi colleagues. recognizing the threat of their lives and completely discarding his own, sergeant petri secured the grenade and sought to throw it as far away as possible from his fellow soldiers. at the very moment it left his grasp, the grenade exploded and amputated his right hand. as if that wasn't enough, he then engaged the enemy and continued fire allowing u.s. forces to arrive and rescue himself and his injured colleagues. sergeant petri put the needs of others before himself. he went above and beyond. he did not regard his own personal survival as being paramount. he showed courage, commitment and honor, and he deserves every award and commendation and we'll forever enjoy the grateful thanks of this grateful nation. now, it's over to you, mr. president, mr. speaker, and all the others at the white house to get